Objectives

Government and the State

• Define government and the basic powers every government holds.
• Describe the four defining characteristics of the state.
• Identify four theories that attempt to explain the origin of the state.
• Understand the purpose of government in the United States and other countries.

Forms of Government

• Classify governments according to three sets of characteristics.
• Define systems of government based on who can participate.
• Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state.
• Describe government by how power is distributed between the executive branch and legislative branch.

Basic Concepts of Democracy

• Understand the foundations of democracy.
• Analyze te connections between democracy and the free enterprise system.
• Identify the role of the internet in a democracy.

Ch. 1 - Assignments

• Read ch. 1, sec. 1 - Government and the State, pages 4-11.
• Define the following terms: government, public policy, power, legislative power, executive power, judicial power, constitution, dictatorship, democracy, state, sovereign.
• Complete the following focus questions:

1. What are the 3 basic kinds of power every government has and exercises?
2. What is the difference between "politics" and "government"?
3. What are the 4 characteristics all states possess?
4. Briefly explain the 4 theories that have emerged to explain the origin of the state.
5. List the purposes of government as found in the preamble to the United States Constitution.

• Take notes on ch. 1, sec. 2 in class.
• Read ch. 1, sec. 3 - The Basic Concepts of Democracy, pages 20-24.
• Complete the following focus questions:

1. Outline the 5 basic notions on the concept of American democracy.
2. Why is it important to be a responsible citizen?
3. Explain the American economic system and the 4 fundamental factors of a free enterprise system.
4. What role does government play in a free enterprise system?
5. Define: antitrust laws, zoning ordinances.

• Study Guide for test on ch. 1 - American Government study guide-ch.1.docx
• Test will be Monday, August 29th.

• Test on ch. 1
• Reading Assignment - Ch. 3, sec. 1 - Basic Principles of the Constitution - p. 68-75.

Ch.1 - Notes

• Powerpoint - ch. 1, sec. 2: Forms of Government Forms of Government PP.pptx